Mediterranean Delights
Harisit - "Honey cake"
(Harisa)
This is a very moist, delicious cake and served on individual plates it looks so appealing. Your guests will be asking for seconds.
2 Tbsp Tahini sauce (ground sesame paste)
3 cups farina (smeed or cream of wheat)
1 1/4 cups melted butter or margarine (I prefer the Smart Balance Brand)
2 cups warm 1% milk
1 1/2 cup finely shredded cocunut
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup whole almonds, blanched and peels removed
Sugar syrup with honey recipe:
3 cups sugar
2 3/4 cups water
1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp orange blossom water
1/2 cup natural honey
1. Prepare syrup before you begin the cake. Boil the water, sugar and lemon juice for about 15 minutes. Stir in blossom water and honey, then boil another 5 minutes. Syrup should be thick. Set aside to cool, in refrigerator is fine.
2. Grease a 9" x 13" pan with the tahini. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. In a large bowl, mix farina, melted butter, warm milk, shredded cocument, and baking powder together. Make sure all ingredients are well blended. Pour into prepared baking pan. It will be somewhat thick, so gently spread it evenly. Cut into diamond shapes.
4. Decorate each diamond slice with one almond.
5. Bake for about 40 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Place cake under broiler for just about one to two minutes to make it more golden brown in color.
6. Pour could syrup over the warm cake. Allow cake to absorb the syrup. Remove slices carefully and serve individually. You can garnish the side of each slice with a twisted thin orange slice. Serve with hot coffee or tea and enjoy. Shown in the picture, diamond sliced cake with almond on each slice.
